The Best Things to Do in Downtown DC and Bethesda This Fall

There’s something special about fall in the DMV. The humidity finally breaks, the leaves begin to change, and patios become enjoyable again. It’s the perfect time to get outside and explore DC and Bethesda.

• Explore the Waterfront & Fall Foliage

  Head to The Wharf. Grab dinner, drinks, or live music. For a quieter afternoon, explore the fall foliage along the National Mall, Georgetown, or the Capital Crescent Trail.

• Spend a Day in Bethesda

  Start with coffee and a stroll through Bethesda Row, browse the shops, and grab lunch or dinner at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. 

• Embrace Spooky Season

  From Halloween events and ghost tours to seasonal cocktails and fall festivals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate throughout the DMV. In Downtown DC, Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab runs through October 31.

A Few Dates to Save:

• Oct. 31: Halloween events throughout DC & Bethesda

• Nov. 13: Handwork: Contemporary Craft opens at the Renwick Gallery

• Nov. 17–22: The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the National Theatre

• Nov. 20: Enchant Christmas opens at Nationals Park

Fall in the DMV

For anyone considering a move to DC or Bethesda, fall is a great reminder of what makes these communities so special: the neighborhoods, incredible restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, and always something new to discover.

Sometimes the best weekend is simply the one spent exploring your own backyard.